Most of us never really think something like a burglary can happen to us, but over a million homes are burglarized every year. If your valuables are stolen or if your property is damaged, a solid home insurance policy can see that you are compensated. Make sure you read these tips to find out how you can get the best insurance.

Raise your deductible to lower your home insurance premium total. Higher deductibles reduce the overall premium cost because it increases the threshold of claims where the insurance carrier is expected to pay. This means you may have to pay more out of pocket if minor damage occurs, but often the premium savings can offset the out of pocket expenses.

Some companies sell more than just homeowners insurance and are willing to give you a deal if you combine service. You can get itemized deductions of between five and fifteen percent if you purchase homeowners, auto and liability in a package deal. Compare the combination against buying all three from separate entities, and see which deal is the best.

After purchasing your homeowner’s insurance policy, go around your home and take photographs of your belongings so you have a visual inventory. Store these photos in a fireproof safe or at a relative’s house. These photographs will help the insurance company document your claims, and help you get your money faster.

Before you purchase a home, it’s best to know what it is constructed from. Depending on what it is made of it can cost more to insure it. For instance, a home constructed mainly from wood is more costly and expensive to insure than a home constructed from brick or concrete.

Always keep safety in mind in your rental, in order to keep the costs down on your renter’s insurance. Having fire detectors, burglar alarms and fire extinguishers on your property, can net you a significant discount on your premiums. It may also save your life, so be sure to invest in these items and learn how to use them and keep them up to date.

Review the value of any collectibles on a regular basis to make sure your coverage is appropriate for current value. Many items increase in value over time and you may need to increase the amount of contents coverage on your home owner’s insurance policy to make sure your collections are fully covered.

Taking out the best possible home insurance policy is just smart on your part, whether you rent or own your home. No one can predict when something bad will happen. And although you can prepare for the worst, there is often no way to stop it from happening. It’s best if you’re protected, though, and the tips you just read, can help you find the right